Topical Bible: Tabernacle: The Levites: Took Down, and Put Up

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The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was a portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was a central element of worship and a symbol of God's presence with His people. The responsibility for the care, transportation, and assembly of the Tabernacle was entrusted to the Levites, a tribe set apart for sacred duties.

Role of the Levites

The Levites were descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. They were chosen by God to serve in various capacities related to the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their duties were distinct from those of the priests, who were also Levites but specifically descended from Aaron. The Levites were divided into three main families: the Gershonites, the Kohathites, and the Merarites, each with specific responsibilities concerning the Tabernacle.

Duties in Taking Down and Setting Up the Tabernacle

The process of taking down and setting up the Tabernacle was a complex and sacred task, requiring careful attention to detail and adherence to divine instructions. Each family of Levites had specific roles:

1. The Gershonites: The Gershonites were responsible for the care of the Tabernacle's coverings, curtains, and hangings. According to Numbers 4:24-26 , "This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport: They are to carry the curtains of the Tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with its covering and the outer covering of fine leather, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the gate of the courtyard surrounding the Tabernacle and altar, and their ropes—all the equipment for their service."

2. The Kohathites: The Kohathites were tasked with the most sacred objects, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils. Numbers 4:4-5 states, "This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things. Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in and take down the veil of the screen and cover the Ark of the Testimony with it."

3. The Merarites: The Merarites were responsible for the structural components of the Tabernacle, such as the frames, crossbars, posts, and bases. Numbers 4:31-32 details their duties: "This is the duty for all their service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the Tabernacle with its crossbars, posts, and bases, the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes, including all their equipment and everything related to their use."

Significance of the Levites' Service

The Levites' role in taking down and setting up the Tabernacle was not merely logistical but deeply spiritual. Their service ensured that the worship of God could continue uninterrupted as the Israelites moved from place to place. The meticulous care with which they handled the sacred objects underscored the holiness of God and the reverence due to Him. The Levites' faithful execution of their duties was a vital part of maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people, as they facilitated the proper worship and presence of God among the Israelites.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 1:51
And when the tabernacle sets forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that comes near shall be put to death.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Following the Cloud.
... So they took down the tent of the Tabernacle and put ... the midst of them all marched
the Levites carrying the ... and the different parts of the Tabernacle, and when ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

A New Order of Priests and Levites
... brought to the door of the tabernacle, whether according ... days there were priests
and Levites"men taught ... conspired together against him, who took counsel how ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/a new order of priests.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... having the ark with them; then went the Levites bearing the tabernacle and the ... Hebrews
in pursuing their enemies; insomuch that Joshua took the kings ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

New Uses for Old Trophies
... At the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. ... old in the temple were taken down, and
the Levites and other ... As she took her timbre!, she rightly said, in the hymn ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/new uses for old trophies.htm

Glad Givers and Faithful Workers
... of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness ... We next hear of the
precautions he took to secure ... it at the 'king's office.' The Levites carried it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/glad givers and faithful workers.htm

The Simplicity and Sublimity of Salvation
... At the [22]Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. ... to dine with the servants; but you
took your seat ... of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the simplicity and sublimity of.htm

How Solomon Removed the Ark into the Temple How He Made ...
... and all the people and the Levites, went before ... and of his having gladly pitched
his tabernacle therein. ... They also took their journey home with rejoicing, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how solomon removed.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... the same stuff, for at that time these took the place ... in a kind of monstrance which
stood above the Tabernacle. ... spent the first night in the Levites' school at ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... quarrel and of a schism among the Levites.] This holy ... morning her blanket was rolled
up.) She took off her ... I recognized in her the cradle and tabernacle of the ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
... him, "That when thou wast born, we took thee up ... He delivered to them the tabernacle
also, and exhorted the ... the two mountains, and with them the Levites and the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm